Muskoka Sailing Network

The MLA Muskoka Sailing network has many exciting sailing events for all ages each summer. In addition to the activities at the 8 sailing schools in the Muskoka area, there are several local sailing regattas that might get you out of the power boat and into this great, environmentally friendly sport.

2016

Muskoka Lakes Association Annual Multi-Fleet Sailing Regatta

The Muskoka Lakes Association held its annual sailing regatta, open to all, on July 31st at the Muskoka Lakes Golf & Country Club on Lake Rosseau. Fair weather and medium strength winds attracted 43 enthusiastic sailors ranging in age from 8 years old to 75 years old.

The fastest fleet, the catamarans, started out first around the short course in shifty wind conditions. Rob Bosomworth and crew, Geri Cansick-Dunlop, sailed well with two first place finishes and one second place finish. Derek Bosomworth and Steve Bosomworth sailed the larger 18 foot Hobie into second place overall. Bill Stanton, the sole non-Bosomworth family boat, captured third place just ahead of John Bosomworth and Chris Harris finishing fourth.

The historic Albacore fleet was out in force with eight competitive crews vying to have their name added to the Albacore Trophy, which was first awarded in 1947. Ian and Stephen Duncan won the first race and earned two solid third place finishes for a total of seven points. However, it was Raines Koby and Abby MacInnes who won the last two races and capture the championship by one point. Jefferson Hall and Tracy Hall held on to third place with nine points.

The Laser fleet had seven racers including the regular long time MLA racers and one new visitor, Bruce Moyle, from a top Toronto club. In the first race, Bruce shocked the fleet by passing top racer, Michael Hart, to win the first race. Bruce had strong starting positions the second and third races but it was Michael who best navigated the shifting winds to win the final two races and take the overall regatta with ease. Steve Phillips was able to secure second place with Bruce taking third overall.

Youth sailing teams from SMSC and BYC were racing the 420s. Thomas Schwill and Patrick Mascarin won overall with a perfect series of first places. Teddy Littler and Caitlyn Little narrowly took second place over McKenna McCoy and Zoe Mascarin, and Abby Latimer and Caitlyn Little. It was terrific to see eight year old Sadie Latimer from BYC skippering the lone Opti sailboat.

There were strong performances from several clubs, but the South Muskoka Sailing Club had the best total results and won the Commodore’s Cup this year.

2015

2014

MLA Muskoka Laser Regatta Attracts Top Ontario Racers

On August 16th, 2014, the Muskoka Lakes Association and its sailing network member, Kettles Sailing Club, hosted the annual MLA Laser Muskoka District championship regatta. The event continues to provide a wonderful opportunity for local sailors to test their skills against top level Ontario racers. We had 18 competitors from 6 different sailing clubs. In addition to our regular visitors from Toronto’s top Laser sailing club (Water Rats Sailing Club), we had a group join us from the Gloucester Pool Sailing Association in Severn River.

The weather was challenging throughout the day with heavy rain, shifting winds and finally lightning, which drew the competition to an abrupt close. Al Clark, the Race Committee Chairman, did a terrific job in getting four races completed in these difficult conditions.

Local Muskoka sailors performed well against tough competition. It was Kettles sailor, Brian Jarrett, who jumped off to a terrific start by winning the first two races and finishing second in the third race. However, it was once again, Nigel Heath, one of Canada’s top Laser sailors, who managed to win the last two races and slip ahead of Brian by just one point. Michael Hart finished third, ahead of another top Toronto sailor, Tobin Young.

Again this year, Pamela Shinkoda from Oakville was recognized as the top female and Stephen Duncan from MLG&CC as top junior finishing ahead of Andrew Dunsmoor, Alex Hudson and Krystian Matlock.

The event was organized by Brian Jarrett, Kettles Sailing Club, and Steve Phillips, Director of the MLA Sailing Network, and supported by a group of volunteers that deserve our appreciation:

Kettles Sailing Club for hosting the event,

Janice and Gord Nixon for hosting the après sail event,

Al Clark for running the races, and

Kaitlyn Jarrett for managing the scoring.

We would like to extend our thanks again to our MLA Sailing Network sponsors Fogh Marine, Robertson & Robertson Skipper’s Plan Insurance, Posterjack.ca and the Ontario Sailing Association for their support and contributions to the awards.

2014 Muskoka Lakes Association (MLA) Sailing Regatta

The 2014 MLA Sailing Regatta was held at the Muskoka Lakes Golf & Country Club on Lake Rosseau on Sunday, August 3rd. This event has been a long-standing MLA tradition and a highlight of the MLA Sailing Network program.

Unfortunately, this year the wind was virtually non-existent. The race committee, led by Andy Cumming, found enough wind to set up three, very short races close to shore. Competitors had to stay focused to harness the light wind and maneuver around the course. Spectators had a terrific view from the land and had to wait until the final race to determine the winners.

Three veteran Laser sailors had a very close series of races. Jim Dingle, a light air specialist, won the first race outright – beating all fleets. However, it was Michael Hart who captured the overall win by passing Steve Phillips late in the last race.

The multi-hull category turned out to be a family affair. Rob, Steve and John Bosomworth had a tightly contested competition in Hobie Cats. It was an unusual sight to see a boat that loves screaming along in heavy winds just drifting slowly in glassy waters. Rob was best able to maneuver his boat and managed to come out on top.

The Albacore class was represented by two accomplished racing teams; Peter and Terry Duncan and Adam and Kimberley Nicholson. The race was fierce but finally the Duncan’s narrowly succeeded. The 420 class had just one entry, Al Clark who met up with another sailor on site to make up a team.

The Beaumaris Yacht Club was strongly represented with a seven- person youth racing team from the Latimer, Messer, Raymond and Digby families. Teddy and Blake Latimer took first place in the Pico class and Graham Digby was the winner in the Opti class.

And finally, we greatly appreciate Muskoka Golf & Country Club for the use of their facilities, staff and site and would like to thank Trevor Noonan, General Manager, for his support.

2013

2013 Muskoka Lakes Association Sailing Regatta

August 4, 2013

The 2013 MLA Sailing Regatta was hosted by Beaumaris Yacht Club (BYC) on Sunday August 5th. It was a terrific sailing day, with great winds 15-25kph and cool temperature. Sailors from 10 - 70 years old participated in the regatta.

The Race Committee team set the courses mid morning in a steady breeze. The Skippers meeting to review the race instructions and starting sequence for the seven classes of sailboats was held before the boats sailed out to the two race courses. It was a shifty NW wind throughout the afternoon racing, with regular 15 degree wind shifts and velocity changes and lots of strong wind gusts. All fleets completed 3 races. Lowest total scores from the combined finished positions were counted.

The awards and trophy ceremony followed the on water activity with MLA gold, silver and bronze medals presented for each class of boats, in addition to some giveaways from Fogh Marine, one of our sailing sponsors.

The regatta was organized and managed by MLA Muskoka Sailing Network Chairman & Vice President, Michael Hart. A keen team of volunteers participated in running the regatta, including:

Commodores Cup for the most 1,2,3 finishes across the fleets was won by South Muskoka Sailing Club and accepted by their Commodore, Barb Triskan.

Special recognition awards (from Fogh Marine) were presented to"

Teddy Littler in the Opti class for his dedication to racing this small dinghy in such challenging conditions

Keaton Phillips and Matt Fraser for completing a main halyard repair after capsizing their 420 dingy and finishing the race.

2012

2012 MLA MUSKOKA LASER CHAMPIONSHIP

The world's largest sailboat class, the LASER, is also Muskoka's most popular sailboat for recreation and racing. Muskoka's Laser racing enthusiasts convened at the Kettles Sailing Club, East Bay, Lake Muskoka for the annual MLA Muskoka Laser Championship. With titles on the line for Overall, Women's and top Youth, racing kicked off with several of Muskoka's best trading places around the triangle racing course.

After five exciting, back-to-back races in medium strength winds, sailors were able to drop their worst race score. When the spray settled it was South Muskoka Sailing Club's Steve Phillips nosing out Kettles Sailing Club's Brian Jarrett for first place Overall, closely followed by Kettles Sailing Club's Andrew Picoh, John Beare and Rob Clark in third, fourth and fifth respectively. All five racers took turns among the top three in each race pushing the championship title to the fifth and final race.

In the women's division it was a close, four-way battle between Kettles Sailing Club sailors with Carolyn Horan prevailing ahead of Yanny Beare, Emily Bell and Barb Black. The top youth award went to Krystian Matlock-Clark of Kettles Sailing Club. The Laser Championship wrapped off with the traditional sailor's after-party hosted by vice-champion Brian Jarrett.

Thank-you to the Kettles Sailing Club for hosting another fun and successful MLA Muskoka Laser Sailing Championship and all of the supporting sponsors: MLA, Ontario Sailing, Robertson & Robertson Yacht Insurance, posterjack.ca, Fogh Marine, and Steve Jarrett for managing the Race Committee.

MLA Muskoka Inter-Club Youth Sailing Regatta Results 2012

The Muskoka Lakes Association (MLA) Sailing Office, and with the support of 6 sailing schools in the Muskoka area, hosted the Aphrodite Youth Racing series again this July. The clubs participating were:

Lake of Bays Sailing Club (LBSC),

Lake Joe Yacht Club (LJYC),

Kettles Sailing Club (KYC),

Muskoka Lakes Golf and Country Club (MLGCC),

Sail Parry Sound (SPS) and

South Muskoka Sailing Club (SMSC).

During July, the series consists of two days of team racing with students aged 8 to 16, with clubs hosting each other, followed by the third and final event bringing the 6 clubs together for individual race results. Each club is sailing 3 Club 420 boats in teams of 2, at these events.

The team races took place on July 17 and 24th with the following results:

On July 31, 2012,the 2012 MLA Muskoka Inter-Club Youth Sailing Championship—Aphrodite Cup—was held at the South Muskoka Sailing Club on Lake Muskoka.

This youth sailing championship has a long history in Muskoka and is sponsored by MLA Muskoka Sailing Network of clubs. Due to some stormy weather in the morning of race day, 4 racing teams attended, competing for the coveted Aphrodite Cup. The clubs who participated were Lake of Bays Sailing Club (LBSC), Kettles Sailing Club, Sail Parry Sound (SPS) and South Muskoka Sailing School (SMSS).

The junior sailors (aged 10-16), had an excellent day of racing in 10-12 kph winds. There was lots of fast racing action in the Club 420 sailboat; a 2-person dinghy used in Ontario sailing schools. The Race Committee, managed by SMSC instructors Liam Roberts and Justin Cadieux, got off 3 races during the day. All clubs were scored combined teams to create overall sailing school placing. Racing 3 boats per club gave us a competitive 12 boat fleet. Michael Hart, Chairman MLA Muskoka Sailing Network and Barb Triskan, MLA Director welcomed the sailors and presented the awards after the racing.

Although this was a team scoring event, we had some terrific racers that consistently led the fleet.

Top individual performances:

1st overall: Grant Kavanagh, Clark Schultz from SPS

2nd overall: Alexa Fenton, Andrew Court from LBSC

3rd overall: Ryan Lind, Oliver Triskan from SMSC

2011

MLA Muskoka Inter-Club Youth Sailing Regatta Results

Spearheaded by the Muskoka Lakes Association (MLA) Sailing Office and with the support of six sailing schools in the Muskoka area, the once loved Aphrodite Youth Racing series has been given a new life. The clubs participating are Lake of Bays Sailing Club(LBSC), Lake Joe Yacht Club (LJYC), Kettles, Muskoka Lakes Golf and Country Club (MLGCC), Sail Parry Sound (SPS) and South Muskoka Sailing School (SMSS).

Muskoka’s youth sailing series has a rich history dating back into the early 1970s, when sailing school teams raced in Albacores. Now the youth racing is contested in the Club 420 sailboat, the popular two person dinghy used in all youth sailing programs across the province, and the training boat for several Olympic sailing classes.

The series in its new form consists of two days of team racing with students from 8-16 years of age, where one club hosts another, followed by the third and final event bringing the 6 clubs together for individual race results. Each club is sailing 3 Club 420 boats in teams of two for each of these events.

The team races took place on July 12 and 19 with the following teams winning the day:

On Tuesday July 26th, all 6 clubs will each send 3 teams to Muskoka Lakes Golf and Country Club to round out the series in the MLA Muskoka Inter-Club Youth Sailing Championship - Aphrodite Cup. This should be a fun and exciting day of racing with 18 Club 420 boats participating.

Thank you to all who helped organize these events and to the sailors. On all reports it has been a great success and we expect the tradition will carry on for years to come.

July 26, 2011: The 2011 MLA Muskoka Inter-Club Youth Sailing Championship - Aphrodite Cup was held at the Muskoka Lakes Golf and Country Club on Lake Rosseau on July 26, 2011.

This youth sailing championship has a long history in Muskoka and has recently been revitalized by the MLA Muskoka Sailing Network of clubs. Six racing teams attending, competing for the coveted Aphrodite Cup. The clubs who participated were Lake of Bays Sailing Club(LBSC), Lake Joe Yacht Club (LJYC), Kettles, Muskoka Lakes Golf and Country Club (MLGCC), Sail Parry Sound (SPS) and South Muskoka Sailing School (SMSS).

The students (ages 10-16) had an excellent day of racing in 15-20 kph winds. Lots of fast racing action in the Club 420 sailboat, a 2-person dinghy used my most Ontario sailing schools. We had a few capsizes, tight mark rounding's and lots of teams hoisting their spinnakers to get maximum performance from their boat. The Race Committee, managed by MLGCC instructors Lisa Foley and Spencer Hawtin got off 5 races during the day. Each boat was allowed to drop their worst finish, counting the best 4 races for the overall scoring. All clubs were scored as a combined team to create overall sailing school placing. Racing 3 boats per club, gave us an exciting 18 boat fleet.

Although this was a team scoring event, we have some terrific racers that consistently were leading the fleet. Top individual performances:

1st overall: Grant Kavanagh, Clark Schultz from SPS

2nd overall: Alex Loe, Parker Phillips from SMSC

3rd overall: Alex Benson, Luke Fenton from Kettles

The MLA Marine Team provided safety assistance on the race course and Race Committee support. The MLA also provided awards for the competitors, including a brand new Aphrodite Cup trophy, presented by Michael Hart, Chairman MLA Muskoka Sailing Network. MLGCC hosted an excellent BBQ and provided much need cold drinks for the kids.

Our special thanks to the host Trevor Noonan and Lisa Foley and their team at MLGCC. Congratulations from the MLA to all the sailors for a great day of racing.

Muskoka Lakes Association Sailing Regatta

August 3, 2011: The 2011 MLA Sailing Regatta was hosted by Beaumaris Yacht Club (BYC) on Lake Muskoka on Sunday July 31st, where over 60 sailors participated in the day, racing in 36 sailboats.

A strong audience of race coaches, instructors, parents and other observers watched the racing action. Race day began with a noon Skippers meeting, followed by 3 races for 7 classes of sailboats. New this year was the Laser Pico class, a relatively new youth boat for kids ages 10-13 who have mastered the Pram or Opti and are getting ready for the transition to the Club 420. The regatta enjoyed steady 10-15 km/h winds from the West. The awards and trophy ceremony followed the on water activity with MLA gold, silver and bronze medals in addition to posterjack.ca sailing posters presented for each class of boats. A number of family members competed together.

The regatta was organized and managed by MLA Muskoka Sailing Network Chairman, Michael Hart. A large team of volunteers participated in running the event, including:

The prestigious Commodore’s Cup is awarded to the club with the most 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishes and this years’ recipient was again the South Muskoka Sailing Club.

2011 MLA Laser Regatta Results

Light winds on Saturday August 13th and steady medium winds on Sunday allowed us to get the full 5 planned races in over the weekend regatta. With 5 races the Race Committee was able to allow participants to drop their worse finish and count the best four races. We had 24 boats with ages varying from 14 to 81 and winds varying from 0.1 knots to 15 knots! Thanks for the team of Water Rats who come up from Toronto who drove up to participate!

As announced at our awards ceremony, Nigel Heath had a perfect score of 4 wins followed by Michael Hart in second overall and Rob Clark in third. Pamela Shinkoda had a strong performance on Sunday and was the top female followed by Tammy Comish and Elizabeth Lee. Matthew Phillips and Carter Comish were recognized as the top juniors. Final results are attached.

We had great support for the regatta. Thank you to the MLA, SMSC, Kettles, the Muskoka Sailing Network, Fogh Marine, and our social committee of Andrea and Samantha Phillips. And a very special thanks to Andy Cumming, our race committee chairman, and his assistant Liam Roberts for a top-notch RC job!

total with 1 drop

Position

Racer

number

race 1

race 2

race 3

race 4

race 5

total

1

Nigel Heath

171822

1

7

1

1

1

11

4

2

Michael Hart

102351

3

1

5

2

3

14

9

3

Rob Clark

888

2

6

3

6

2

19

13

4

Tobin Young

9 Grey

4

9

2

7

4

26

17

5

Steve Phillips

185957

8

5

4

4

10

31

21

6

Heinz Gebaeur

16

6

4

8

5

6

29

21

7

Andrew Picov

177225

9

19

7

10

5

50

31

8

Pamela Shinkoda

5

14

14

6

9

9

52

38

9

John Beare

196029

13

13

12

3

11

52

39

10

Mike Phillips

11

10

11

10

11

12

54

42

11

Steve Hoke

3/ 166901

20

18

9

8

8

63

43

12

Steve Hewgill

340

12

12

13

12

13

62

49

13

Rob Payne

159014

24

24

11

13

7

79

55

14

Tammy Comish

9 White

7

3

25

25

25

85

60

15

188685

5

8

25

25

25

88

63

16

Tom Purves

18179

16

2

25

25

25

93

68

17

Elizabeth Lee

36

18

20

25

14

14

91

66

18

Jeff Bazoian

126531

11

10

25

25

25

96

71

19

Simon Fitzpatrick

13

15

15

25

25

25

105

80

20

Matthew Phillips

1

19

17

25

25

25

111

86

21

171218

23

16

25

25

25

114

89

22

Carter Comish

98383

17

24

25

25

25

116

91

23

Jordan Mitchell

90063

21

21

25

25

25

117

92

24

Steve Nash

17379

22

24

25

25

25

121

96

2010

The 2010 MLA Muskoka Laser Sailing Championship was hosted by Kettles Sailing Club, East Bay, Lake Muskoka in conjunction with the Ontario Laser Masters (age 35 & over) on August 14 and 15. It was the most successful and well attended Laser regatta ever in the Muskoka region with 38 boats and several top Canadian racers competing, including Canadian Champions Rob Koci and Nigel Heath. The event also attracted one of the largest contingent of youth sailors ever.

The event enjoyed strong 15-20 km/h winds which made for lots of exciting race action, including aggressive starts, crowded mark roundings, high speed reaches and even a few capsizes! A full schedule of eight races were completed, allowing sailors to discard their worst race in the final results.

Designed by Canadian Bruce Kirby, the Laser one-design boat has become the world's most popular dinghy sailboat for youth and master sailors alike. Laser sailing has been an Olympic event for both men and women since 1996. In Muskoka, the Laser has also become the most poplar sailboat for club racing.

2010 Muskoka Lakes Association Sailing Regatta

The 2010 MLA Sailing Regatta was hosted by Muskoka Lakes Golf & Country Club (MLG&CC) Sunday August 1st, where over 50 sailors participated in the day, racing in 30 sailboats. A strong audience of race coaches, instructors, parents and other observers watched the racing action. Race day began with a noon Skippers meeting, followed by races for 6 classes of sailboats. The wind was quite light and shifty during the regatta. The awards and trophy ceremony followed the on water activity with gold, silver and bronze medals presented for each class of boats.

The regatta was organized and managed by MLA Muskoka Sailing Network Chairman, Michael Hart. A large team of volunteers participated in running the event, including:

Andy Cumming, Principal Race Officer

Charles Gagnon and Lisa Foley, MLG&CC instructors in the Mark Boat

Kelly Hart, score keeper

Michele Perras, John Macklem and Les Mason, flags, timing and recorders on the Race Committee boat